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      CenturyLink reports fourth quarter and full year 2017 results

      Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 Highlights

      - Completed acquisition of Level 3 Communications (Level 3), positioning CenturyLink as the second largest domestic communications provider serving global enterprise customers, with 2017 pro forma annual revenue of more than $24 billion

      - Increased network scale and enhanced product and services portfolio enables CenturyLink to better meet the connectivity and managed services needs of customers

      - Expect 2018 Adjusted EBITDA to be higher than 2017 pro forma Adjusted EBITDA

      - Anticipate 2018 Free Cash Flow after Dividends of $850 million to $1.05 billion

      CenturyLink logo. (PRNewsfoto/CenturyLink, Inc.)

      News provided by

      CenturyLink, Inc.

      Feb 14, 2018, 04:26 ET

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      MONROE, La., Feb. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) today reported results for fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2017.

      CenturyLink Reported Results

      The reported results on a consolidated basis include two months of Level 3's financial performance, as CenturyLink closed the Level 3 acquisition1 on Nov. 1, 2017.

      Consolidated total revenue was $5.323 billion for fourth quarter 2017, compared to $4.289 billion for fourth quarter 2016 and $17.66 billion for full year 2017 compared to $17.47 billion for full year 2016.

      Consolidated diluted earnings per share was $1.26 for fourth quarter 2017, compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.08 for fourth quarter 2016. Excluding special items2 in fourth quarter 2017, the diluted earnings per share was $0.18. Fourth quarter special items included a recognized tax benefit of $1.1 billion from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, along with $222 million of acquisition and integration-related expenses. For more information on consolidated operating results, see the attachments to this release.

      "2017 was a year of significant transformation for CenturyLink. The sale of our data centers and colocation business followed by the acquisition of Level 3 Communications positions CenturyLink as a leading global networking company," said Glen F. Post, III, CenturyLink chief executive officer. "This strategic combination brings significant scale, enhances our products and services portfolio, and improves our long-term financial flexibility.

      "We are focused on the successful integration of our businesses and improving our customer experience through simplification and automation while achieving our targeted $975 million in annualized run rate cash savings," Post concluded.

      "With this combination, CenturyLink is now better positioned to meet the needs of our customers and drive long-term shareholder return," said Jeff Storey, CenturyLink president and chief operating officer. "We have organized and integrated our sales, operations and service teams to meet the specific needs of our customers - from consumers to small businesses to the largest global enterprises in the world. We are continuing to invest to meet the needs of our customers and to provide them with an improved digital experience."

      CenturyLink Standalone Results

      The following tables provide CenturyLink results on a standalone unaudited basis and exclude special items (including integration-related expenses), intercompany eliminations and acquisition accounting adjustments associated with the acquisition of Level 3 effective Nov. 1, 2017.

      Metrics

      Fourth
      Quarter

      Fourth
      Quarter

      Full Year

      Full Year

      ($ in millions)

      2017

      2016

      2017

      2016

      Strategic Revenue3, 4

      $

      1,905


      2,028


      7,725


      8,098


      Legacy Revenue3, 4

      1,633


      1,834


      6,868


      7,624


         Core Revenue3

      3,538


      3,862


      14,593


      15,722


      Data Integration Revenue

      113


      131


      498


      533


      Other Revenue

      313


      296


      1,206


      1,215


         Total Operating Revenue

      $

      3,964


      4,289


      16,297


      17,470


      Adjusted EBITDA2

      1,471


      1,585


      5,842


      6,513


      Adjusted EBITDA2 Margin

      37.1

      %

      37.0

      %

      35.8

      %

      37.3

      %

      Capital Expenditures 5

      528


      963


      2,886


      2,958


      Core revenues were $3.538 billion for fourth quarter 2017, declining 8.4% compared to fourth quarter 2016, primarily due to the decline in legacy revenues, as well as the approximate $150 million revenue reduction due to the May 1, 2017 sale of the legacy CenturyLink data centers and colocation business (Colocation Sale).

      Adjusted EBITDA, excluding special items, decreased to $1.471 billion from $1.585 billion in fourth quarter 2016 primarily due to the decline in higher margin legacy revenues, along with the margin impact related to the Colocation Sale.

      Level 3 Standalone Results

      To enable investors to track the former Level 3's results through the end of 2017, CenturyLink is providing selected, unaudited standalone Level 3 financial and operating metrics for fourth quarter 2017 and full year 2017. These results in the following tables are based on the former Level 3 definitions for these metrics and exclude integration-related expenses, intercompany eliminations and acquisition accounting adjustments associated with the acquisition of Level 3 by CenturyLink effective Nov. 1, 2017.

      Metrics

      Fourth
      Quarter

      Fourth
      Quarter

      Full Year

      Full Year

      ($ in millions)

      2017

      20166

      2017

      2016 6

      Core Network Services Revenue

      $

      2,017


      1,933


      7,891


      7,764


      Wholesale Voice Services and Other Revenue

      93


      99


      387


      408


         Total Revenue

      $

      2,110


      2,032


      8,278


      8,172


      Adjusted EBITDA2

      758


      724


      2,979


      2,865


      Capital Expenditures

      301


      306


      1,309


      1,334


      Unlevered Cash Flow 2

      451


      401


      1,640


      1,528


      Free Cash Flow2

      353


      266


      1,141


      1,024


      Network Access Margin

      65.7

      %

      66.5

      %

      66.6

      %

      66.7

      %

      Adjusted EBITDA2 Margin

      35.9

      %

      35.6

      %

      36.0

      %

      35.1

      %

      Total revenue was $2.110 billion for fourth quarter 2017, compared to $2.032 billion for the fourth quarter 2016. Total Core Network Services (CNS) revenue was $2.017 billion in fourth quarter 2017, increasing 4.3% year-over-year on a reported basis, and 3.8% year-over-year on a constant currency basis.

      For fourth quarter 2017, total Enterprise CNS revenue, excluding UK Government revenue, was $1.515 billion, which grew 6.5% year-over-year on a reported basis, and 6.0% year-over-year on a constant currency basis.

      The accompanying financial schedules provide additional details regarding CenturyLink's and Level 3's standalone performance and special items and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

      Pro Forma Combined Company Results 7

      The following tables provide selected financial metrics on an unaudited pro forma basis for the combined company as if the Level 3 acquisition and the sale of the data centers and colocation business had been completed on January 1, 2016.

      Metrics

      Fourth
      Quarter

      Fourth
      Quarter

      Full Year

      Full Year

      ($ in millions)

      2017

      2016

      2017

      2016

      Total Adjusted Pro Forma Revenue 7

      $

      6,005


      6,112


      24,127


      24,784


      Adjusted EBITDA 7,8 excluding integration-related expenses

      2,211


      2,235


      8,698


      9,079


      Adjusted EBITDA7,8 including integration-related expenses

      1,994


      1,998


      8,260


      8,800


      Adjusted EBITDA Margin excluding integration-related expenses

      36.8

      %

      36.6

      %

      36.1

      %

      36.6

      %

      Adjusted EBITDA Margin including integration-related expenses

      33.2

      %

      32.7

      %

      34.2

      %

      35.5

      %

      Capital Expenditures

      829


      1,248


      4,181


      4,234


      Capital Expenditures as percent of Total Revenue

      13.8

      %

      20.4

      %

      17.3

      %

      17.1

      %

      Adjusted Pro Forma Revenue

      Fourth
      Quarter

      Fourth
      Quarter

      Full Year

      Full Year

      ($ in millions)

      2017

      2016

      2017

      2016

      Business

      $

      4,415


      4,451


      17,690


      18,019


      Consumer

      1,401


      1,485


      5,704


      6,061


      Regulatory9

      189


      176


      733


      704


      Total Adjusted Pro Forma Revenue

      $

      6,005


      6,112


      24,127


      24,784







      By Business Unit





      Medium & Small Business

      $

      874


      918


      3,565


      3,730


      Enterprise

      1,324


      1,263


      5,223


      5,049


      International & Global Accounts

      941


      905


      3,660


      3,603


      Wholesale & Indirect

      1,276


      1,365


      5,242


      5,637


      Consumer

      1,401


      1,485


      5,704


      6,061


      Regulatory

      189


      176


      733


      704


      Total Adjusted Pro Forma Revenue

      $

      6,005


      6,112


      24,127


      24,784







      By Service Type





      IP & Data Services

      $

      1,839


      1,802


      7,276


      7,148


      Transport & Infrastructure

      2,092


      2,128


      8,411


      8,675


      Voice & Collaboration

      1,716


      1,848


      7,055


      7,617


      IT & Managed Services

      169


      158


      652


      640


      Regulatory

      189


      176


      733


      704


      Total Adjusted Pro Forma Revenue

      $

      6,005


      6,112


      24,127


      24,784


      Liquidity

      As of December 31, 2017, CenturyLink had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $551 million.

      Integration Update

      During fourth quarter 2017, CenturyLink achieved approximately $75 million of annualized Adjusted EBITDA synergies. Integration-related expenses for fourth quarter 2017 were $62 million. In total, CenturyLink has incurred approximately $170 million in integration-related expenses.

      2018 Business Outlook

      "We are confident in our 2018 financial outlook with Adjusted EBITDA growth and strong Free Cash Flow, both before and after dividends," said Sunit Patel, CenturyLink executive vice president and chief financial officer. "For the full year 2018, we expect Adjusted EBITDA2 of $8.75 to $8.95 billion and Free Cash Flow2 of $3.15 to $3.35 billion, excluding Level 3 integration-related expenses."

      Metrics 10

      2018 Outlook

      Adjusted EBITDA

      $8.75 to $8.95 billion

      Free Cash Flow11

      $3.15 to $3.35 billion

      Dividends12

      $2.30 billion

      Free Cash Flow after Dividends

      $850 million to $1.05 billion

      GAAP Interest Expense

      $2.25 billion

      Cash Interest

      $2.10 billion

      Capital Expenditures

      ~16% of Revenue

      Depreciation and Amortization

      $5.40 to $5.50 billion

      Non-cash Compensation Expense

      $200 million

      Cash Income Taxes

      $100 million

      Full Year Effective Income Tax Rate

      ~25%

      Investor Call

      As previously announced, CenturyLink's management will host a conference call at 4:00 p.m. Central Time today, February 14, 2018. The conference call will be streamed live over CenturyLink's website at ir.centurylink.com. Additional information regarding fourth quarter 2017 results, including the presentation management will review during the conference call, will be available on the Investor Relations website prior to the call. If you are unable to join the call via the Web, the call can be accessed live at +1 877-666-4225 (U.S. Domestic) or +1 312-546-6650 (International).

      A telephone replay of the call will be available beginning at 6:00 p.m. CST on February 14, 2018, and ending May 8, 2018, at 11:59 p.m. CST. The replay can be accessed by dialing +1 800-633-8284 (U.S. Domestic) or +1 402-977-9140 (International), reservation code 21880624. A webcast replay of the call will also be available on our website beginning at 11:00 a.m. CST on February 15, 2018, and ending May 8, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

      Reconciliation to GAAP

      This release includes certain non-GAAP historical and forward-looking financial measures, including but not limited to adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, adjusted free cash flow, unlevered cash flow, core revenues, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted EPS and adjustments to GAAP measures to exclude the effect of special items or currency fluctuations. In addition to providing key metrics for management to evaluate the company's performance, we believe these measurements assist investors in their understanding of period-to-period operating performance and in identifying historical and prospective trends.

      Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measures are included in the attached financial schedules. Reconciliation of additional non-GAAP historical financial measures that may be discussed during the call described above, along with further descriptions of non-GAAP financial measures, will be available in the Investor Relations portion of the company's website at www.centurylink.com and in the current report on form 8-K that we intend to file later today. Non-GAAP measures are not presented to be replacements or alternatives to the GAAP measures, and investors are urged to consider these non-GAAP measures in addition to, and not in substitution for, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. CenturyLink may present or calculate its non-GAAP measures differently from other companies and, as referenced in Note 2 below, calculates certain of its non-GAAP measures differently from Level 3.

      About CenturyLink

      CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is the second largest U.S. communications provider to global enterprise customers. With customers in more than 60 countries and an intense focus on the customer experience, CenturyLink strives to be the world's best networking company by solving customers' increased demand for reliable and secure connections. The company also serves as its customers' trusted partner, helping them manage increased network and IT complexity and providing managed network and cyber security solutions that help protect their business.

      Forward Looking Statements

      Except for historical and factual information, the matters set forth in this release and other of our oral or written statements identified by words such as "estimates," "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "plans," "intends," and similar expressions are forward-looking statements as defined by the federal securities laws, and are subject to the "safe harbor" protections thereunder. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are based on current expectations only, are inherently speculative, and are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control.  Actual events and results may differ materially from those anticipated, estimated, projected or implied by us in those statements if one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect. Factors that could affect actual results include but are not limited to: the effects of competition from a wide variety of competitive providers, including decreased demand for our legacy offerings and increased pricing pressures; the effects of new, emerging or competing technologies, including those that could make our products less desirable or obsolete; the effects of ongoing changes in the regulation of the communications industry, including the outcome of regulatory or judicial proceedings relating to intercarrier compensation, interconnection obligations, universal service, broadband deployment, data protection and net neutrality; our ability to timely realize the anticipated benefits of our recently-completed combination with Level 3, including our ability to attain anticipated cost savings, to use Level 3's net operating losses in the amounts projected, to retain key personnel and to avoid unanticipated integration disruptions; our ability to safeguard our network, and to avoid the adverse impact on our business from possible security breaches, service outages, system failures, equipment breakages or similar events impacting our network or the availability and quality of our services; our ability to effectively adjust to changes in the communications industry and changes in the composition of our markets and product mix; possible changes in the demand for our products and services, including our ability to effectively respond to increased demand for high-speed broadband service; our ability to successfully maintain the quality and profitability of our existing product and service offerings, to provision them efficiently to our customers, and to introduce profitable new offerings on a timely and cost-effective basis; our ability to generate cash flows sufficient to fund our financial commitments and objectives, including our capital expenditures, operating costs, debt repayments, periodic share repurchases, dividends, pension contributions and other benefits payments; changes in our operating plans, corporate strategies, dividend payment plans or other capital allocation plans, whether based upon changes in our cash flows, cash requirements, financial performance, financial position, market conditions or otherwise; our ability to effectively retain and hire key personnel and to successfully negotiate collective bargaining agreements on reasonable terms without work stoppages; increases in the costs of our pension, health, post-employment or other benefits, including those caused by changes in markets, interest rates, mortality rates, demographics or regulations; adverse changes in our access to credit markets on favorable terms, whether caused by changes in our financial position, lower debt credit ratings, unstable markets or otherwise; our ability to meet the terms and conditions of our debt obligations; our ability to maintain favorable relations with our key business partners, customers, suppliers, vendors, landlords and financial institutions; our ability to effectively manage our network buildout projects and our other expansion opportunities; our ability to collect our receivables from financially troubled customers; any adverse developments in legal or regulatory proceedings involving us; changes in tax, communications, pension, healthcare or other laws or regulations, in governmental support programs, or in general government funding levels; the effects of changes in accounting policies or practices, including potential future impairment charges; the effects of adverse weather, terrorism or other natural or man-made disasters; the effects of more general factors such as changes in interest rates, in exchange rates, in operating costs, in general market, labor, economic or geo-political conditions, or in public policy; and other risks referenced from time to time in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").  For all the reasons set forth above and in our SEC filings, you are cautioned not to unduly rely upon our forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason, whether as a result of new information, future events or developments, changed circumstances, or otherwise. Furthermore, any information about our intentions contained in any of our forward-looking statements reflects our intentions as of the date of such forward-looking statement, and is based upon, among other things, existing regulatory, technological, industry, competitive, economic and market conditions, and our assumptions as of such date. We may change our intentions, strategies or plans without notice at any time and for any reason.

      (1)

      On November 1, 2017, CenturyLink acquired Level 3 Communications, Inc. through successive merger transactions, including a merger of Level 3 into its successor-in-interest, Level 3 Parent, LLC.

      (2)

      See attachments for reconciliations of non-GAAP figures used by CenturyLink and Level 3 to comparable GAAP figures. As illustrated in these attached reconciliation statements, CenturyLink and Level 3 have historically defined their respective non-GAAP measures differently.

      (3)

      Core revenues is a non-GAAP measure defined as strategic revenues plus legacy revenues (excludes data integration and other revenues) as described further in the attached schedules.  Strategic revenues primarily include broadband, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), Ethernet, colocation, hosting, cloud, video, VoIP and IT services.  Legacy revenues primarily include voice, private line (including special access), switched access and other ancillary services. The filed SEC reports and accompanying schedules explain these terms in greater detail.

      (4)

      Beginning second quarter 2017, certain legacy services, specifically dark fiber network leasing, were reclassified from legacy services to strategic services. Beginning second quarter 2016, private line (including special access) revenues were reclassified from strategic services to legacy services. All historical periods have been restated to reflect these changes.

      (5)

      Capital Expenditures reflects payments for property, plant and equipment and capitalized software, excluding amounts capitalized for integration related projects.

      (6)

      The reported fourth quarter 2016 and full year 2016 results have been adjusted to reflect changes made to customers assignments between the

      wholesale and enterprise channels as of the beginning of 2017.

      (7)

      Excludes CenturyLink Colocation revenue and Level 3 amortized revenue from pre-acquisition deferred installation charges. For a description of adjustments made in connection with preparing there pro forma figures, see the pro forma information filed with the SEC in a current Report on Form 8-K/A on January 16, 2018.

      (8)

      Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating income (loss) from the Pro Forma Combined Company Results plus depreciation and amortization expense, non-cash impairment charges and non-cash stock compensation expense, adjusted for special items and CenturyLink colocation revenue and related estimated costs.

      (9)

      Regulatory includes CAF Phase 1, CAF Phase 2 and federal and state USF support revenue.

      (10)

      All outlook measures in this release and the accompanying schedules exclude integration-related expenses and other special items, and are as of February 14, 2018.

      (11)

      Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures as disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

      (12)

      Dividends is defined as dividends paid as disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Payments of all dividends are at the discretion of the board of directors.

      CenturyLink, Inc.

      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

      THREE MONTHS AND TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts; shares in thousands)
















      Three months ended
      December 31,


      Increase /
      (decrease)


      Twelve months ended
      December 31,


      Increase /
      (decrease)



      2017


      2016



      2017


      2016














      OPERATING REVENUES

      $

      5,323



      4,289



      24

      %


      17,656



      17,470



      1

      %














      OPERATING EXPENSES













      Cost of services and products

      2,498



      1,929



      30

      %


      8,203



      7,774



      6

      %


      Selling, general and administrative *

      1,104



      997



      11

      %


      3,508



      3,447



      2

      %


      Depreciation and amortization

      1,197



      958



      25

      %


      3,936



      3,916



      1

      %


      Total operating expenses

      4,799



      3,884



      24

      %


      15,647



      15,137



      3

      %














      OPERATING INCOME

      524



      405



      29

      %


      2,009



      2,333



      (14)

      %













      OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME













      Interest expense

      (481)



      (320)



      50

      %


      (1,481)



      (1,318)



      12

      %


      Other income (expense), net *

      11



      (11)



      (200)

      %


      12



      5



      140

      %


      Income tax benefit (expense)

      1,063



      (32)



      (3,422)

      %


      849



      (394)



      (315)

      %

      NET INCOME

      $

      1,117



      42



      2,560

      %


      1,389



      626



      122

      %

      BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE

      $

      1.26



      0.08



      1,475

      %


      2.21



      1.16



      91

      %

      DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

      $

      1.26



      0.08



      1,475

      %


      2.21



      1.16



      91

      %














      WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING






      Basic

      887,890



      539,965



      64

      %


      627,808



      539,549



      16

      %


      Diluted

      889,135



      541,235



      64

      %


      628,693



      540,679



      16

      %














      DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE

      $

      0.54



      0.54



      —

      %


      2.16



      2.16



      —

      %

























      *

      In the first quarter of 2017, CenturyLink adopted ASU 2017-07, "Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost" ("ASU 2017-07"). ASU 2017-07 modified the presentation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs and requires the service cost component to be reported separately from the other components in order to provide more useful information. Under ASU 2017-07, the service cost component of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs is required to be presented in the same expense category as the related salary and wages for the employee. The other components of the net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs are required to be recognized in other (expense) income, net in CenturyLink's consolidated statements of operations. This change was applied on a retrospective basis to all previous periods to match the current period presentation. This retrospective application resulted in a $13 million and $2 million increase in operating income and a corresponding increase in other (expense) income, net for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2016, respectively.

      CenturyLink, Inc.

      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

      AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND DECEMBER 31, 2016

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)


      As of
       December 31, 2017


      As of
       December 31, 2016

      ASSETS




      CURRENT ASSETS




      Cash and cash equivalents

      $

      551



      222


      Restricted cash

      5



      —


      Other current assets

      3,638



      4,940


         Total current assets

      4,194



      5,162






      NET PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT




      Property, plant and equipment

      51,204



      39,194


      Accumulated depreciation

      (24,352)



      (22,155)


         Net property, plant and equipment

      26,852



      17,039






      GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS




      Goodwill

      30,409



      19,650


      Restricted cash

      31



      2


      Other, net

      14,065



      5,164


          Total goodwill and other assets

      44,505



      24,816






      TOTAL ASSETS

      $

      75,551



      47,017






      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY




      CURRENT LIABILITIES




      Current maturities of long-term debt

      $

      443



      1,503


      Other current liabilities

      4,411



      3,846


          Total current liabilities

      4,854



      5,349






      LONG-TERM DEBT

      37,283



      18,185


      DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES

      9,985



      10,084


      STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

      23,429



      13,399






      TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

      $

      75,551



      47,017







      CenturyLink, Inc.


      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


      TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016


      (UNAUDITED)


      (Dollars in millions)








      Twelve months ended



      December 31, 2017 *


      December 31, 2016 *


      OPERATING ACTIVITIES





      Net income

      $

      1,389



      626



      Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:





        Depreciation and amortization

      3,936



      3,916



        Deferred income taxes

      (1,193)



      6



        Loss on the sale of data centers and colocation business

      82



      —



        Impairment of assets held for sale

      —



      13



        Provision for uncollectible accounts

      173



      192



        Net loss on early retirement of debt

      5



      27



        Share-based compensation

      111



      80



        Changes in current assets and liabilities, net

      (302)



      (108)



        Retirement benefits

      (202)



      (152)



        Changes in other noncurrent assets and liabilities, net

      (197)



      (18)



        Other, net

      75



      26



        Net cash provided by operating activities

      3,877



      4,608



      INVESTING ACTIVITIES





        Payments for property, plant and equipment and capitalized software

      (3,106)



      (2,981)



        Cash paid for Level 3 acquisition, net of $2.3 billion cash acquired

      (7,289)



      —



        Cash paid for other acquisitions

      (5)



      (39)



        Proceeds from the sale of data centers and colocation business, less cash sold

      1,467



      —



        Proceeds from sale of property and intangible assets

      62



      30



        Other, net

      —



      (4)



        Net cash used in investing activities

      (8,871)



      (2,994)



      FINANCING ACTIVITIES





      Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

      8,398



      2,161



      Proceeds from financing obligation

      356



      —



      Payment of contingent consideration

      (3)



      —



      Payments of long-term debt

      (1,963)



      (2,462)



      Net payments on 2012 credit facility and revolving line of credit

      35



      (40)



      Dividends paid

      (1,453)



      (1,167)



      Proceeds from issuance of common stock

      5



      6



      Shares withheld to satisfy tax withholdings

      (17)



      (16)



      Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

      5,358



      (1,518)



      Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

      (1)



      —



      Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

      363



      96


      *

      Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

      224



      128


      *

      Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

      $

      587



      224







      *

      In the second quarter of 2017, CenturyLink adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-18, "Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)" ("ASU 2016-18"), which requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change in the total of cash, cash equivalents and amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents as compared to the prior presentation, which explained only the change in cash and cash equivalents. ASU 2016-18 is effective January 1, 2018, but early adoption is permitted and requires retrospective application of the requirements to all previous periods presented.  This change was applied on a retrospective basis to all previous periods to match the current period presentation with immaterial impact.

      CenturyLink, Inc.

      SELECTED SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION

      THREE MONTHS AND TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)














      Three months ended
       December 31,


      Twelve months ended
      December 31,




      2017


      2016


      2017


      2016

      Total segment revenues


      $

      5,135



      4,115



      16,924



      16,766


      Total segment expenses


      2,818



      2,248



      9,390



      9,081


      Total segment income


      $

      2,317



      1,867



      7,534



      7,685


      Total segment income margin (segment income divided by segment revenues)


      45.1

      %


      45.4

      %


      44.5

      %


      45.8

      %











      Business









      Revenues


      $

      3,734



      2,630



      11,220



      10,704


      Expenses


      2,206



      1,588



      6,847



      6,391












      Segment income


      $

      1,528



      1,042



      4,373



      4,313


      Segment income margin


      40.9

      %


      39.6

      %


      39.0

      %


      40.3

      %











      Consumer









      Revenues


      $

      1,401



      1,485



      5,704



      6,062


      Expenses


      612



      660



      2,543



      2,690












      Segment income


      $

      789



      825



      3,161



      3,372


      Segment income margin


      56.3

      %


      55.6

      %


      55.4

      %


      55.6

      %






















      In January 2017, CenturyLink implemented a new organization structure designed to further strengthen its ability to attain our operational, strategic and financial goals. Prior to this reorganization, CenturyLink operated and reported as two segments, business and consumer. As a result of this reorganization, CenturyLink changed the name of the predecessor business segment to "enterprise" segment. Additionally, CenturyLink also reassigned its information technology, managed hosting, cloud hosting and hosting area network services from its former business segment to a new non-reportable operating segment. CenturyLink reported two segments, enterprise and consumer, from January 2017 through October 2017.




      In connection with CenturyLink's acquisition of Level 3, CenturyLink implemented a new organization structure and began managing its operations in two segments: business and consumer. CenturyLink's consumer segment remains substantially unchanged under this reorganization, and CenturyLink's newly reorganized business segment includes the legacy CenturyLink enterprise segment operations and the legacy Level 3 operations. In addition, it reassigned its information technology, managed hosting, cloud hosting and hosting area network operations into the business segment from the former non-reportable operating segment.

      CenturyLink, Inc.

      NET DEBT TO LTM PRO FORMA ADJUSTED EBITDA RATIO

      AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)



      Net Debt to LTM Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA Ratio




      Gross Debt

      $

      38,053


      Cash and Cash Equivalents

      (551)


      Net Debt

      $

      37,502


      LTM Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA Excluding Acquisition-Related Expenses

      $

      8,698


      Net Debt to LTM Adjusted EBITDA Ratio

      4.31


      Gross Debt is defined as total long-term debt, less unamortized discounts, premiums and other, net  of $23 million and unamortized debt issuance costs of $350 million.

      Net Debt to Last Twelve Months (LTM) Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA Ratio is defined as Gross Debt, reduced by cash and cash equivalents and divided by LTM Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA Excluding Acquisition-Related Expenses.

      Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating income (loss) from the Pro Forma Combined Company Results less depreciation and amortization expense, non-cash impairment charges, non-cash stock compensation expense and special items, excluding CenturyLink colocation revenue and related estimated costs.

      CenturyLink, Inc.

      RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts and shares in thousands)






      Fourth Quarter 2017



      Less

      As Adjusted


      As

      Special

      excluding


      Reported

      Items

      Special Items





      Net Income as reported in Consolidated Statement of Income

      $

      1,117


      (956)


      161


      Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted

      889,135



      889,135






      Diluted Earnings Per Share

      $

      1.26



      0.18






      Special items include:




      Integration costs related to CenturyLink's acquisition of Level 3


      $

      206



      Interest income related to Term Loan B Escrow account for pre-acquisition


      (4)



      Interest expense associated with Term Loan B for pre-acquisition




        colocation business


      20



      Income tax effect of special items


      (46)



      Impact of Tax Reform


      (1,132)





      $

      (956)



      Outlook

      To enhance the information in our outlook with respect to non-GAAP metrics, we are providing a range for certain GAAP measures that are components of the reconciliation of the non-GAAP metrics. The provision of these ranges is in no way meant to indicate that CenturyLink is explicitly or implicitly providing an outlook on those GAAP components of the reconciliation. In order to reconcile the non-GAAP financial metric to GAAP, CenturyLink has to use ranges for the GAAP components that arithmetically add up to the non-GAAP financial metric. While CenturyLink feels reasonably comfortable about the outlook for its non-GAAP financial metrics, it fully expects that the ranges used for the GAAP components will vary from actual results. We will consider our outlook of non-GAAP financial metrics to be accurate if the specific non-GAAP metric is met or exceeded, even if the GAAP components of the reconciliation are different from those provided in an earlier reconciliation.

      CenturyLink, Inc.

      2018 OUTLOOK

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)





      Adjusted EBITDA Outlook




      Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018





      Range


      Low


      High

      Net Income

      $

      320



      720


      Income Tax Expense

      120



      240


      Total Other Expense

      2,300



      2,200


      Depreciation and Amortization Expense

      5,500



      5,400


      Non-Cash Compensation Expense

      210



      190


      Integration-related expenses

      300



      200


      Adjusted EBITDA

      $

      8,750



      8,950










      Free Cash Flow Outlook




      Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018





      Range


      Low


      High

      Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities excluding integration costs

      $

      7,050



      7,150


      Capital Expenditures, excluding: integration projects

      (3,900)



      (3,800)


      Free Cash Flow

      $

      3,150



      3,350


      CENTURYLINK STANDALONE

      DESCRIPTION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

      To enable investors to track CenturyLink's results through the end of 2017 on a basis that assumes CenturyLink did not acquire Level 3, we are providing selected unaudited results in the format previously used.

      We use the term Special items as a non-GAAP measure to describe items that impacted a period's net income and the statement of operations for which investors may want to give special consideration due to their magnitude, nature or both. We do not use the term non-recurring because while some of these items are special because they are unusual and infrequent, others may recur in future periods.

      We use Adjusted Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization or the term Adjusted EBITDA as a non-GAAP measure to show profitability in our continuing, central business activities, without regard for the effects of special items, capital structure or tax structure, which may be helpful in analyzing trends or making comparisons to other companies that have different capital or tax structures.  Other companies may refer to this measure using the term Operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA).  Adjusted EBITDA is an accrual based measure that has the effect of excluding quarter-to-quarter variances that are caused by changes in working capital. Adjusted EBITDA does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures, as mandatory debt service requirements and other non-discretionary expenditures are not deducted from the measure. It is also not intended to be used as a replacement for the GAAP measures of Operating income or Cash flows provided by operating activities. Rather it is intended to provide additional information to enhance the understanding of CenturyLink's GAAP financial information, and it should be considered by investors in addition to, but not in substitution for, the GAAP measures.

      CenturyLink Standalone

      REVENUES

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)














      Three months ended


      Twelve months ended




      December 31,
      2017


      December 31,
      2016


      December 31,
      2017


      December 31,
      2016

      Strategic services *










      Enterprise high-bandwidth data services (1)


      $

      773



      755



      3,069



      2,990



      Other enterprise strategic services (2)


      181



      331



      916



      1,320



      IT and managed services (3)


      169



      158



      652



      641



      Consumer broadband services (4)


      688



      666



      2,683



      2,689



      Other consumer strategic services (5)


      94



      118



      405



      458



      Total strategic services revenues


      1,905



      2,028



      7,725



      8,098











      Legacy services *










      Enterprise voice services (6)


      533



      579



      2,215



      2,413



      Enterprise low-bandwidth data services (7)


      274



      325



      1,179



      1,381



      Other enterprise legacy services (8)


      241



      266



      995



      1,075



      Consumer voice services (6)


      513



      589



      2,191



      2,443



      Other consumer legacy services (9)


      72



      75



      288



      312



      Total legacy services revenues


      1,633



      1,834



      6,868



      7,624












      Data integration









        Enterprise data integration


      109



      130



      479



      528


        IT and managed services data integration


      4



      —



      18



      3


        Consumer data integration


      —



      1



      1



      2


      Total data integration revenues


      113



      131



      498



      533











      Other revenues









        High-cost support revenue (10)


      166



      170



      667



      688


        Other revenue (11)


      147



      126



      539



      527


      Total other revenues


      313



      296



      1,206



      1,215











      Total revenues


      $

      3,964



      4,289



      16,297



      17,470






















      (1)

      Includes MPLS, Ethernet and wavelength revenue

      (2)

      Includes primarily colocation, broadband, VOIP, video and fiber lease revenue

      (3)

      Includes primarily IT services, managed hosting, cloud hosting and hosting area network revenue

      (4)

      Includes broadband and related services revenue

      (5)

      Includes video and other revenue

      (6)

      Includes local and long-distance voice revenue

      (7)

      Includes private line (including special access) revenue

      (8)

      Includes UNEs, public access, switched access and other ancillary revenue

      (9)

      Includes other ancillary revenue

      (10)

      Includes CAF Phase 1, CAF Phase 2 and federal and state USF support revenue

      (11)

      Includes USF surcharges and failed-sale-leaseback rental income

      *

      During the second quarter of 2017, CenturyLink determined that certain of its legacy services, specifically its dark fiber network leasing, are more closely aligned with CenturyLink's strategic services than with its legacy services. As a result, CenturyLink now reflects these operating revenues as strategic services, and CenturyLink has reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to this change. The revision resulted in an increase of revenue from strategic services and a corresponding decrease in revenue from legacy services of $12 million and $48 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2016, respectively.

      CenturyLink Standalone

      RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)
















      Three months ended December 31, 2017


      Three months ended December 31, 2016







      As adjusted






      As adjusted





      Less


      excluding




      Less


      excluding



      As


      special


      special


      As


      special


      special



      reported


      items


      items


      reported


      items


      items

      Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin













      Operating income *

      $

      524



      (206)


      (1)

      730



      405



      (186)


      (3)

      591



      Add: Depreciation and amortization

      1,197



      —



      1,197



      958



      (36)


      (4)

      994



      Less: Operating revenues from Level 3

      (1,406)



      —



      (1,406)



      —



      —



      —



      Add: Operating expenses less depreciation and amortization from Level 3

      943



      28


      (2)

      915



      —



      —



      —



      Add: Affiliate eliminations

      47



      —
       

      47



      —
       
      —
       
      —
       

      Less: CenturyLink expenses billed from Level 3

      (12)



      —
       

      (12)



      —
       
      —
       
      —
       

      Adjusted EBITDA

      $

      1,293



      (178)



      1,471



      1,363



      (222)



      1,585
















      Revenues

      $

      5,323



      —



      5,323



      4,289



      —



      4,289



      Less: Revenues from Level 3

      (1,406)



      —



      (1,406)



      —



      —



      —



      Add: Affiliate eliminations

      47





      47









      Revenues less Level 3

      $

      3,964



      —



      3,964



      4,289



      —



      4,289
















      Adjusted EBITDA margin (adjusted EBITDA divided by revenues)

      32.6

      %




      37.1

      %


      31.8

      %




      37.0

      %



























      SPECIAL ITEMS











      (1) -

      Acquisition and integration costs associated with CenturyLink's acquisition of Level 3 ($178 million) incurred by CenturyLink and ($28 million) in transaction costs incurred by Level 3.

      (2) -

      Transaction costs incurred by Level 3 of $28 million.

      (3) -

      Includes severance costs associated with reduction in force initiatives ($148 million), integration costs associated with CenturyLink's acquisition of Qwest ($2 million), costs associated with a large billing system integration project ($2 million), costs related to our pending acquisition of Level 3 ($52 million), costs associated with our pending sale of the colocation business $7 million) and the impairment of a building ($11 million), offset by the termination of depreciation expense related to CenturyLink's pending sale of the colocation business $36 million.

      (4) -

      Termination of depreciation and amortization expense related to our sale of the colocation business ($36 million).

      *

      In the first quarter of 2017, CenturyLink adopted ASU 2017-07, "Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost" ("ASU 2017-07"). ASU 2017-07 modified the presentation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs and requires the service cost component to be reported separately from the other components in order to provide more useful information. Under ASU 2017-07, the service cost component of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs is required to be presented in the same expense category as the related salary and wages for the employee. The other components of the net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs are required to be recognized below operating income in other (expense) income, net in CenturyLink's consolidated statements of operations. This change was applied on a retrospective basis to all previous periods to match the current period presentation. This retrospective application resulted in a $13 million increase in operating income and a corresponding increase in total other expense, net for the three months ended December 31, 2016.

      CenturyLink Standalone

      RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)
















      Twelve months ended December 31, 2017


      Twelve months ended December 31, 2016







      As adjusted






      As adjusted





      Less


      excluding




      Less


      excluding



      As


      special


      special


      As


      special


      special



      reported


      items


      items


      reported


      items


      items

      Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin













      Operating income *

      $

      2,009



      (347)


      (1)

      2,356



      2,333



      (228)


      (4)

      2,561



      Add: Depreciation and amortization

      3,936



      (6)


      (2)

      3,942



      3,916



      (36)


      (5)

      3,952



      Less: Operating revenues from Level 3

      (1,406)



      —



      (1,406)



      —



      —



      —



      Add: Operating expenses less depreciation and amortization from Level 3

      943



      28


      (3)

      915



      —



      —



      —



      Add: Affiliate eliminations

      47



      —



      47



      —



      —



      —



      Less: CenturyLink expenses billed from Level 3

      (12)



      —



      (12)



      —



      —



      —



      Adjusted EBITDA

      $

      5,517



      (325)



      5,842



      6,249



      (264)



      6,513
















      Revenues

      $

      17,656



      —



      17,656



      17,470



      —



      17,470



      Less: Revenues from Level 3

      (1,406)



      —



      (1,406)



      —



      —



      —



      Add: Affiliate eliminations

      47



      —



      47



      —



      —



      —



      Revenues less Level 3

      $

      16,297




      —



      16,297



      17,470



      —



      17,470
















      Adjusted EBITDA margin (adjusted EBITDA divided by revenues)

      33.9

      %




      35.8

      %


      35.8

      %




      37.3

      %



























      SPECIAL ITEMS









      (1) -

      Acquisition and integration costs associated with CenturyLink's acquisition of Level 3 ($243 million) incurred by CenturyLink and ($28 million) in transaction costs incurred by Level 3, a loss associated with the sale of CenturyLink's data centers and colocation business ($82 million), partially offset by the termination of depreciation and amortization expense related to CenturyLink's sale of the data centers and colocation business $50 million, which were substantially offset by additional depreciation expense adjustment recorded on real estate assets CenturyLink was required to reflect on its balance sheet as a result of not meeting the requirement of sale leaseback accounting ($44 million).

      (2) -

      Termination of depreciation and amortization expense related to CenturyLink's sale of the data centers and colocation business ($50 million), which were substantially offset by additional depreciation expense adjustment recorded of $44 million on real estate assets CenturyLink was required to reflect on its balance sheet as a result of not meeting the requirement of sale leaseback accounting.

      (3) -

      Transaction costs incurred by Level 3 of $28 million.

      (4) -

      Includes severance costs associated with reduction in force initiatives ($173 million), integration costs associated with CenturyLink's acquisition of Qwest ($10 million) and costs associated with a large billing system integration project ($15 million), less an offsetting gain on the sale of a building $4 million.

      (5) -

      Termination of depreciation and amortization expense related to our sale of the colocation business ($36 million).



      *

      In the first quarter of 2017, CenturyLink adopted ASU 2017-07, "Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost" ("ASU 2017-07"). ASU 2017-07 modified the presentation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs and requires the service cost component to be reported separately from the other components in order to provide more useful information. Under ASU 2017-07, the service cost component of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs is required to be presented in the same expense category as the related salary and wages for the employee. The other components of the net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs are required to be recognized in other (expense) income, net in CenturyLink's consolidated statements of operations. This change was applied on a retrospective basis to all previous periods to match the current period presentation. This retrospective application resulted in a $2 million increase in operating income and a corresponding increase in total other expense, net for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016.






















      CenturyLink Standalone

      RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)










      Fourth
      Quarter


      Fourth
      Quarter


      Full
      Year


      Full
      Year


      2017


      2016


      2017


      2016









      Consolidated payments for property, plant and equipment and software

      $

      743



      971



      3,106



      2,981










      Less Two Months Level 3 capital expenditures

      (207)



      —



      (207)



      —










      Capital Expenditures for CenturyLink Standalone

      536



      971



      2,899



      2,981










      Less Capital expenditures related to integration of Qwest and Level 3

      (8)



      (8)



      (13)



      (23)










      Capital expenditures excluding integration of Qwest and Level 3

      $

      528



      963



      2,886



      2,958










      CenturyLink Standalone

      OPERATING METRICS

      (UNAUDITED)




















      As of


      As of


      As of




      December 31, 2017


      September 30, 2017


      December 31, 2016












      (In thousands)

      Operating Metrics







      Broadband subscribers


      5,662



      5,767



      5,945


      Access lines


      10,282



      10,506



      11,090



















      CenturyLink's methodology for counting broadband subscribers and access lines may not be comparable to those of other companies.

      Level 3 Standalone

      Description of Non-GAAP Metrics

      To enable investors to track Level 3's results through the end of 2017 on a basis that assumes CenturyLink did not acquire Level 3, we are providing selected unaudited results in the format previously used.

      Pursuant to Regulation G, the company is hereby providing definitions of non-GAAP financial metrics and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

      The following describes and reconciles those financial measures as reported under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) with those financial measures as adjusted by the items detailed below and presented in the accompanying news release. These calculations are not prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be viewed as alternatives to GAAP. In keeping with its historical financial reporting practices, the company believes that the supplemental presentation of these calculations provides meaningful non-GAAP financial measures to help investors understand and compare business trends among different reporting periods on a consistent basis.

      In addition, measures referred to in the accompanying news release as being calculated "on a constant currency basis" or "in constant currency terms" are non-GAAP metrics intended to present the relevant information assuming a constant exchange rate between the two periods being compared. Such metrics are calculated by applying the currency exchange rates used in the preparation of the prior period financial results to the subsequent period results.

      Core Network Services Revenue includes revenue from colocation and datacenter services, transport and fiber, IP and data services, and voice services (local and enterprise).

      Network Access Costs includes leased capacity, right-of-way costs, access charges, satellite transponder lease costs and other third party costs directly attributable to providing access to customer locations from the Level 3 network, but excludes Network Related Expenses, and depreciation and amortization. Network Access Costs do not include any employee expenses or impairment expenses; these expenses are allocated to Network Related Expenses or Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.

      Network Related Expenses includes certain expenses associated with the delivery of services to customers and the operation and maintenance of the Level 3 network, such as facility rent, utilities, maintenance and other costs, each related to the operation of its communications network, as well as salaries, wages and related benefits (including non-cash share-based compensation expenses) associated with personnel who are responsible for the delivery of services, operation and maintenance of its communications network, and accretion expense on asset retirement obligations, but excludes depreciation and amortization.

      Network Access Margin ($) is defined as total Revenue less Network Access Costs from the Statements of Income, and excludes Network Related Expenses.

      Network Access Margin (%) is defined as Network Access Margin ($) divided by total Revenue. Management believes that network access margin is a relevant metric to provide to investors, as it is a metric that management uses to measure the margin available to Level 3 after it pays third party network services costs; in essence, a measure of the efficiency of Level 3's network.

      Adjusted EBITDA ($) is defined as net income (loss) from the Statements of Income before income tax (expense) benefit, total other income (expense), non-cash impairment charges, depreciation and amortization and non-cash stock compensation expense.

      Adjusted EBITDA Margin (%) is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by total revenue.

      Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are relevant and useful metrics to provide to investors, as they are an important part of Level 3's internal reporting and are key measures used by Management to evaluate profitability and operating performance of Level 3 and to make resource allocation decisions.  Management believes such measures are especially important in a capital-intensive industry such as telecommunications.  Management also uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin (and similarly uses these terms excluding acquisition-related expenses) to compare Level 3's performance to that of its competitors and to eliminate certain non-cash and non-operating items in order to consistently measure from period to period its ability to fund capital expenditures, fund growth, service debt and determine bonuses.  Adjusted EBITDA excludes non-cash impairment charges and non-cash stock compensation expense because of the non-cash nature of these items. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes interest income, interest expense and income taxes because these items are associated with Level 3's capitalization and tax structures. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes depreciation and amortization expense because these non-cash expenses primarily reflect the impact of historical capital investments, as opposed to the cash impacts of capital expenditures made in recent periods, which may be evaluated through cash flow measures.  Adjusted EBITDA excludes the gain (or loss) on extinguishment and modification of debt and other, net because these items are not related to the primary operations of Level 3.

      There are limitations to using Adjusted EBITDA as a financial measure, including the difficulty associated with comparing companies that use similar performance measures whose calculations may differ from Level 3's calculations. Additionally, this financial measure does not include certain significant items such as interest income, interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cash impairment charges, non-cash stock compensation expense, the gain (or loss) on extinguishment and modification of debt and net other income (expense). Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin (either with or without acquisition-related expense adjustments) should not be considered a substitute for other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP.

      Unlevered Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures, plus cash interest paid and less interest income all as disclosed in the Statements of Cash Flows or the Statements of Income. Management believes that Unlevered Cash Flow is a relevant metric to provide to investors, as it is an indicator of the operational strength and performance of Level 3 and, measured over time, provides management and investors with a sense of the underlying business' growth pattern and ability to generate cash.  Unlevered Cash Flow excludes cash used for acquisitions and debt service and the impact of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents balances.

      There are material limitations to using Unlevered Cash Flow to measure Level 3's cash performance as it excludes certain material items such as payments on and repurchases of long-term debt, interest income, cash interest expense and cash used to fund acquisitions. Comparisons of Level 3's Unlevered Cash Flow to that of some of its competitors may be of limited usefulness since Level 3 does not currently pay a significant amount of income taxes due to net operating loss carryforwards, and therefore, generates higher cash flow than a comparable business that does pay income taxes. Additionally, this financial measure is subject to variability quarter over quarter as a result of the timing of payments related to accounts receivable and accounts payable and capital expenditures. Unlevered Cash Flow should not be used as a substitute for net change in cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

      Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures as disclosed in the Statements of Cash Flows. Management believes that Free Cash Flow is a relevant metric to provide to investors, as it is an indicator of the Level 3's ability to generate cash to service its debt. Free Cash Flow excludes cash used for acquisitions, principal repayments and the impact of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents balances.

      There are material limitations to using Free Cash Flow to measure Level 3's performance as it excludes certain material items such as principal payments on and repurchases of long-term debt and cash used to fund acquisitions. Comparisons of Level 3's Free Cash Flow to that of some of its competitors may be of limited usefulness since Level 3 does not currently pay a significant amount of income taxes due to net operating loss carryforwards, and therefore, generates higher cash flow than a comparable business that does pay income taxes. Additionally, this financial measure is subject to variability quarter over quarter as a result of the timing of payments related to interest expense, accounts receivable and accounts payable and capital expenditures. Free Cash Flow should not be used as a substitute for net change in cash and cash equivalents on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

      Level 3 Standalone

      FINANCIAL RESULTS

      THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)






      Three months ended December 31,



      2017


      2016 (1)






      Core Network Services Revenue

      $

      2,017



      1,933


      Wholesale Voice Services Revenue

      93



      99



      Total Revenue

      2,110



      2,032


      Network Access Costs

      724



      680


      Network Access Margin

      65.7

      %


      66.5

      %

      Network Related Expenses (NRE) (2)(7)

      335



      327


      Selling, General & Administrative Expenses (SG&A) (2)

      387



      316


      Non-cash Compensation Expense

      32



      35


      Adjusted EBITDA (3)

      664



      709


      Adjusted EBITDA, excluding acquisition-related expenses (3) (4)

      758



      724


      Adjusted EBITDA Margin (3)

      31.5

      %


      34.9

      %

      Adjusted EBITDA Margin, excluding acquisition-related expenses (3) (4)

      35.9

      %


      35.6

      %

      Cash Flows from Operating Activities (5)

      431



      557


      Capital Expenditures

      308



      306


      Capital Expenditures, excluding acquisition-related capital expenditures (6)

      301



      306


      Unlevered Cash Flow (3)

      221



      386


      Unlevered Cash Flow, excluding cash acquisition-related expenses (3) (4) (5)

      451



      401


      Free Cash Flow (3)

      123



      251


      Free Cash Flow, excluding cash acquisition-related expenses (3) (5)

      353



      266


      Net Income

      74



      250







      (1) -

      The reported fourth quarter 2016 results have been adjusted to reflect changes made to customer assignments between the wholesale and enterprise channels as of the beginning of 2017.

      (2) -

      Excludes non-cash compensation expense.

      (3) -

      See schedule of non-GAAP metrics for definitions and reconciliation to GAAP measures.

      (4) -

      In the fourth quarter 2017, acquisition-related expenses were $87 million and $15 million in fourth quarter 2016. In the fourth quarter 2017, 401K matching contributions of $7 million were funded with cash under the CenturyLink plan

      (5) -

      In the fourth quarter 2017, cash paid for acquisition-related expenses was $223 million and $15 million in fourth quarter 2016.

      (6) -

      In the fourth quarter 2017, acquisition-related capital expenditures were $7 million.

      (7) -

      Included in cost of services and products in statements of income to conform to CentruyLink presention.

      Level 3 Standalone

      QUARTERLY CONSTANT CURRENCY

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)
















      4Q16 FX

      3Q17 FX





      4Q16 FX


      3Q17 FX
















      4Q17

      Constant

      Currency





      4Q17/

      4Q16

      %
      Change

      4Q17
      Constant
      Currency/

      4Q16
      %
      Change(3)

      4Q17/

      3Q17
      %
      Change

      4Q17
      Constant
      Currency/

      3Q17
      %
      Change(3)



      4Q17

      4Q17
      Constant
      Currency

      4Q16(2)

      3Q17














      North America

      $

      1,644


      1,644


      1,644


      1,584


      1,597



      3.8

      %

      3.8

      %

      2.9

      %

      2.9

      %


      Wholesale

      399


      399


      399


      405


      404



      (1.5)

      %

      (1.5)

      %

      (1.2)

      %

      (1.2)

      %


      Enterprise

      1,245


      1,245


      1,245


      1,179


      1,193



      5.6

      %

      5.6

      %

      4.4

      %

      4.4

      %












      EMEA

      $

      188


      180


      187


      179


      184



      5.0

      %

      0.6

      %

      2.2

      %

      1.7

      %


      Wholesale

      57


      54


      57


      55


      57



      3.6

      %

      (2.1)

      %

      —

      %

      0.5

      %


      Enterprise

      118


      114


      117


      108


      113



      9.3

      %

      5.3

      %

      4.4

      %

      3.7

      %


      UK Govt

      13


      12


      13


      16


      14



      (18.8)

      %

      (22.3)

      %

      (7.1)

      %

      (8.9)

      %













      Latin America

      $

      185


      184


      186


      170


      182



      8.8

      %

      8.0

      %

      1.6

      %

      2.3

      %


      Wholesale

      33


      33


      34


      34


      35



      (2.9)

      %

      (3.6)

      %

      (5.7)

      %

      (3.4)

      %


      Enterprise

      152


      151


      152


      136


      147



      11.8

      %

      11.0

      %

      3.4

      %

      3.7

      %












      Total CNS Revenue

      $

      2,017


      2,008


      2,017


      1,933


      1,963



      4.3

      %

      3.8

      %

      2.8

      %

      2.8

      %


      Wholesale

      489


      486


      490


      494


      496



      (1.0)

      %

      (1.8)

      %

      (1.4)

      %

      (1.1)

      %


      Enterprise (1)

      1,528


      1,522


      1,527


      1,439


      1,467



      6.2

      %

      5.7

      %

      4.2

      %

      4.1

      %













      Total CNS Revenue

      $

      2,017


      2,008


      2,017


      1,933


      1,963



      4.3

      %

      3.8

      %

      2.8

      %

      2.8

      %












      Wholesale Voice Services

      93


      93


      93


      99


      96



      (6.1)

      %

      (5.6)

      %

      (3.1)

      %

      (3.6)

      %












      Total Revenues

      $

      2,110


      2,101


      2,110


      2,032


      2,059



      3.8

      %

      3.3

      %

      2.5

      %

      2.5

      %













      Total Enterprise CNS Revenue, excluding UK Government revenue

      $

      1,515


      1,510


      1,514


      1,423


      1,453



      6.5

      %

      6.0

      %

      4.3

      %

      4.2

      %













      (1)

      Includes EMEA UK Government revenue.







      (2)

      The 2016 results have been adjusted to reflect changes made to customer assignments between the wholesale and enterprise channels as of the beginning of 2017.


      (3)

      Percentages are calculated using whole numbers. Minor differences may exist due to rounding.


      Level 3 Standalone

      Adjusted EBITDA Metric

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)














      Actuals








      Predecessor


      Successor









      One month
      ended
      October 31,
      2017


      Two months
      ended
      December 31,
      2017


      Less
      Adjustments


      Combined
      Predecessor
      Successor
      4Q17


      Actuals
      4Q16


































      Net income (loss)

      $

      19



      (141)



      (196)



      74



      250


      Income tax (benefit) expense

      53



      234



      179



      108



      (33)


      Total other expense

      41



      65



      (10)



      116



      137


      Depreciation and Amortization

      104



      282



      52



      334



      320


      Non-Cash Stock Compensation

      12



      26



      6



      32



      35


      Adjusted EBITDA

      229



      466



      31



      664



      709












      Acquisition-related  Expenses

      12



      28



      (47)



      87



      15


      401(k) cash matching contributions

      —



      7



      —



      7



      —


      Adjusted EBITDA excluding acquisition- related expenses

      $

      241



      501



      (16)



      758



      724













      Core Network Service Revenue

      $

      669



      1,346



      (2)



      2,017



      1,933


      Wholesale Voice Services and Other Revenue

      32



      61



      —

       


      93



      99


      Total Revenue

      $

      701



      1,407



      (2)



      2,110



      2,032












      Adjusted EBITDA Margin

      32.7

      %


      33.1

      %




      31.5

      %


      34.9

      %











      Adjusted EBITDA (excluding acquisition related expenses) Margin

      34.4

      %


      35.6

      %




      35.9

      %


      35.6

      %

      Level 3 Standalone

      Adjusted EBITDA Metric

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)














      Actuals








      Predecessor


      Successor









      Ten months
      ended
      October 31,
      2017


      Two months
      ended
      December 31,
      2017


      Less
      Adjustments


      Combined

      Predecessor

      Successor

      FY 2017


      Actuals

      FY 2016


































      Net income

      $

      425



      (141)



      (196)



      480



      677


      Income tax (benefit) expense

      268



      234



      179



      323



      165


      Total other expense

      458



      65



      (17)



      540



      602


      Depreciation and Amortization

      1,030



      282



      (5)



      1,317



      1,250


      Non-Cash Stock Compensation

      132



      26



      6



      152



      156


      Adjusted EBITDA

      2,313



      466



      (33)



      2,812



      2,850












      Acquisition-Related Expenses

      85



      28



      (47)



      160



      15


      401(k) cash matching contributions

      —



      7



      —



      7



      —


      Adjusted EBITDA excluding acquisition related expenses

      $

      2,398



      501



      (80)



      2,979



      2,865













      Core Network Service Revenue

      $

      6,543



      1,346



      (2)



      7,891



      7,764


      Wholesale Voice Services and Other Revenue

      327



      61



      1



      387



      408


      Total Revenue

      $

      6,870



      1,407



      (1)



      8,278



      8,172












      Adjusted EBITDA Margin

      33.7

      %


      33.1

      %




      34.0

      %


      34.9

      %











      Adjusted EBITDA (excluding acquisition related expenses) Margin

      34.9

      %


      35.6

      %




      36.0

      %


      35.1

      %

      Level 3 Standalone

      Cash Flows

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)














      Actuals








      Predecessor


      Successor









      One month
      ended
      October 31,
      2017


      Two months
      ended
      December 31,
      2017


      Less
      Adjustments


      Combined

      Predecessor

      Successor

      4Q17


      Actuals

      4Q16












      Net cash used in Investing Activities

      $

      (101)



      (2,032)



      —



      (2,133)



      (303)


      Net cash used in Financing Activities

      $

      —



      (251)



      —



      (251)



      (2)


      Net cash provided by Operating Activities

      $

      123



      308



      —



      431



      557


      Capital Expenditures

      (101)



      (207)



      —



      (308)



      (306)


      Free Cash Flow

      22



      101



      —



      123



      251


      Cash Interest paid

      56



      56



      —



      112



      136


      Interest Income

      (2)



      (12)



      —



      (14)



      (1)


      Unlevered Cash Flow

      $

      76



      145



      —



      221



      386













      Free Cash Flow

      $

      22



      101



      —



      123



      251


      Add back: Cash Acquisition-Related Expenses

      14



      162



      (47)



      223



      15


      Add back: 401(k) cash funding

      —



      7



      —



      7



      —
       

      Free Cash Flow Excluding Cash Acquisition-Related Expenses

      $

      36



      270



      (47)



      353



      266












      Unlevered Cash Flow

      $

      76



      145



      —



      221



      386


      Add back: Cash Acquisition-Related Expenses

      14



      162



      (47)



      223



      15


      Add back: 401(k) cash funding

      —



      7



      —



      7



      —


      Unlevered Cash Flow Excluding Cash Acquisition-Related Expenses

      $

      90



      314



      (47)



      451



      401


      Level 3 Standalone

      Cash Flows

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)














      Actuals








      Predecessor


      Successor









      Ten months
      ended
      October 31,
      2017


      Two months
      ended
      December 31,
      2017


      Less
      Adjustments


      Combined

      Predecessor

      Successor

      FY 2017


      Actuals

      FY 2016












      Net cash used in Investing Activities

      $

      (1,114)



      (2,032)



      —



      (3,146)



      (1,319)


      Net cash used in Financing Activities

      $

      (348)



      (251)



      —



      (599)



      (56)


      Net cash provided by Operating Activities

      $

      1,914



      308



      —



      2,222



      2,343


      Capital Expenditures

      (1,119)



      (207)



      —



      (1,326)



      (1,334)


      Free Cash Flow

      795



      101



      —



      896



      1,009


      Cash Interest paid

      468



      56



      —



      524



      508


      Interest Income

      (13)



      (12)



      —



      (25)



      (4)


      Unlevered Cash Flow

      $

      1,250



      145



      —



      1,395



      1,513













      Free Cash Flow

      $

      795



      101



      —



      896



      1,009


      Add back: Cash Acquisition-Related Expenses

      29



      162



      (47)



      238



      15


      Add back: 401(k) cash funding

      —



      7



      —



      7



      —


      Free Cash Flow Excluding Cash Acquisition-Related Expenses

      $

      824



      270



      (47)



      1,141



      1,024












      Unlevered Cash Flow

      $

      1,250



      145



      —



      1,395



      1,513


      Add back: Cash Acquisition-Related Expenses

      29



      162



      (47)



      238



      15


      Add back: 401(k) cash funding

      —



      7



      —



      7



      —


      Unlevered Cash Flow Excluding Cash Acquisition-Related Expenses

      $

      1,279



      314



      (47)



      1,640



      1,528


      Level 3 Standalone

      RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)






      Fourth
      Quarter


      Full Year


      2017


      2017





      Consolidated Capital Expenditures through October 31, 2017

      $

      101



      1,119






      Add November and December

      207



      207






      Capital expenditures

      308



      1,326






      Less: acquisition-related capital expenditures

      (7)



      (17)






      Capital expenditures less acquisition-related expenditures

      $

      301



      1,309


      CenturyLink, Inc. Pro Forma Combined Company Results

      RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)





































       Three Months ending December 31, 2017


       Twelve Months ending December 31, 2017



       Reported


      Add Month




       Pro Forma


       Reported


      Predecessor




       Pro Forma



      Consolidated


      of October


       Pro Forma


       Combined


      Consolidated


      Level 3


       Pro Forma


       Combined



       CenturyLink


       Level 3


       Adjustments


       Company


       CenturyLink


      October YTD


       Adjustments


       Company


















       OPERATING REVENUES

















       Operating revenues

      $

      5,323



      701



      (21)


       (a)

      6,003



      17,656



      6,870



      (205)


       (a)

      24,321



       Less colocation sold to Cyxtera and not retained







      2









      (194)










      6,005









      24,127


       OPERATING EXPENSES

















       Cost of services and products

      2,498



      361



      (21)


       (a)

      2,838



      8,203



      3,481



      (195)


       (a)

      11,489



       Selling, general and administrative

      1,104



      123



      —



      1,227



      3,508



      1,208



      —



      4,716



       Depreciation and amortization

      1,197



      104



      —



      1,301



      3,936



      1,030



      172


       (b)

      5,138



       Less estimated net costs of colocation sold to Cyxtera and not retained















      (100)










      5,366









      21,243



















       OPERATING INCOME







      639









      2,884




















      Depreciation and amortization







      1,301









      5,138



      Non Cash Compensation







      54









      238



















      ADJUSTED EBITDA INCLUDING SPECIAL ITEMS AND







      $

      1,994









      8,260


      ACQUISITION- RELATED EXPENSES


































      Level 3 acquisition related expenses







      $

      39









      113



      CenturyLink special items and acquisition-related expenses







      178









      325



















      ADJUSTED EBITDA EXCLUDING SPECIAL ITEMS AND







      217









      438


      ACQUISITION- RELATED EXPENSES







      $

      2,211









      8,698





































      * Reported in CenturyLink Consolidated Statement of Operations


      ** Reported in Level 3 Consolidated Statement of Operations


















      (a)

      Adjustment reflects the elimination of operating revenues and expenses for existing commercial transactions between CenturyLink and Level 3 ($19 million) for the three months ending December 31, 2017 and ($193 million) for the twelve months ending December 31, 2017 and elimination of Level 3 deferred revenues ($2 million) for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and ($12 million) for the twelve months ended December  31, 2017.


















      (b)

      Depreciation expense decreased on Level 3's property, plant and equipment resulting from decreased PP&E fair value; ($303 million) for twelve months ending December 31, 2017. Increase in amortization expense resulting from increase intangible asset fair value and $475 million for the twelve months ending December 31, 2017

      CenturyLink, Inc. Pro Forma Combined Company Results

      RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)





































       Three Months ending December 31, 2016


       Twelve Months ending December 31, 2016









       Pro Forma








       Pro Forma



       Reported *


       Reported **


       Pro Forma


       Combined


       Reported *


       Reported **


       Pro Forma


       Combined



       CenturyLink


       Level 3


       Adjustments


       Company


       CenturyLink


       Level 3


       Adjustments


       Company


















       OPERATING REVENUES

















       Operating revenues

      $

      4,289



      2,032



      (62)


       (a)

      6,259



      17,470



      8,172



      (264)


       (a)

      25,378



       Less colocation sold to Cyxtera and not retained







      (147)









      (594)










      6,112









      24,784


       OPERATING EXPENSES

















       Cost of services and products

      1,929



      1,029



      (56)


       (a)

      2,902



      7,774



      4,128



      (236)


       (a)

      11,666



       Selling, general and administrative

      997



      345



      —



      1,342



      3,447



      1,407



      —



      4,854



       Depreciation and amortization

      958



      303



      67


       (b)

      1,328



      3,916



      1,193



      408


       (b)

      5,517



       Less estimated net costs of colocation sold to Cyxtera and not retained







      (75)









      (300)










      5,497









      21,737



















       OPERATING INCOME



       



      615









      3,047




















      Depreciation and amortization







      1,328









      5,517



      Non Cash Compensation







      55









      236



















      ADJUSTED EBITDA INCLUDING SPECIAL ITEMS AND







      $

      1,998









      8,800


      ACQUISITION- RELATED EXPENSES


































      Level 3 acquisition related expenses







      $

      15









      15



      CenturyLink special items and acquisition-related expenses







      222









      264










      237









      279



















      ADJUSTED EBITDA EXCLUDING SPECIAL ITEMS AND
















      ACQUISITION- RELATED EXPENSES







      $

      2,235









      9,079





































      * Reported in CenturyLink Consolidated Statement of Operations


      ** Reported in Level 3 Consolidated Statement of Operations


















      (a)

      Adjustment reflects the elimination of operating revenues and operating expenses for existing commercial transactions between CenturyLink and Level 3 ($56 million) for the three months ending December 31, 2016 and ($236 million) for the twelve months ending December 31, 2016. The operating revenues recognized by Level 3 associated with the existing deferred revenues from prior installation activities that will likely be assigned little or no value in the purchase price allocation process ($6 million) for the three months ending December 31, 2016 and ($28 million) for the twelve months ending December 31, 2016.


















      (b)

      Depreciation expense decreased on Level 3's property, plant and equipment resulting from decreased PP&E fair value; ($89 million) for the three months ending December 31, 2016 and ($216 million) for the twelve months ending December 31, 2016. Increase in amortization expense resulting from increased intangible asset fair value; $156 million for the three months ending December 31, 2016 and $624 million for the twelve months ending December 31, 2016

      CenturyLink, Inc. Pro Forma Combined Company Results

      RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)










      Fourth
      Quarter


      Fourth
      Quarter


      Full Year


      Full Year


      2017


      2016


      2017


      2016









      CenturyLink Consolidated Capital Expenditures

      $

      743



      971



      3,106



      2,981










      Capital Expenditures Predecessor Level 3

      101



      306



      1,119



      1,334










      Pro Forma Capital Expenditures

      844



      1,277



      4,225



      4,315










      Less CenturyLink Standalone Capital Expenditures related to integration of Qwest and Level 3

      (8)



      (8)



      (13)



      (23)










      Less Level 3 Standalone Capital Expenditures related to integration

      (7)



      —



      (17)



      —










      Less Capital Expenditures related to colocation business

      —



      (21)



      (14)



      (58)










      Pro Forma Capital Expenditures excluding colocation business and integration of Qwest and Level 3

      $

      829



      1,248



      4,181



      4,234










      CenturyLink, Inc. Pro Forma Combined Company Results

      ADJUSTED PRO FORMA REVENUE BY QUARTER

      (UNAUDITED)

      (Dollars in millions)








      Fourth
      Quarter

      Third
      Quarter

      Second
      Quarter

      First
      Quarter

      Fourth
      Quarter


      2017

      2017

      2017

      2017

      2016

      Business

      $

      4,415


      4,427


      4,419


      4,429


      4,451


      Consumer

      1,401


      1,420


      1,436


      1,447


      1,485


      Regulatory

      189


      186


      185


      174


      176


      Total Adjusted Pro Forma Revenue

      $

      6,005


      6,033


      6,040


      6,050


      6,112








      By Business Unit






      Medium & Small Business

      $

      874


      896


      893


      901


      918


      Enterprise

      1,324


      1,311


      1,296


      1,292


      1,263


      International & Global Accounts

      941


      918


      911


      891


      905


      Wholesale & Indirect

      1,276


      1,302


      1,319


      1,345


      1,365


      Consumer

      1,401


      1,420


      1,436


      1,447


      1,485


      Regulatory

      189


      186


      185


      174


      176


      Total Adjusted Pro Forma Revenue

      $

      6,005


      6,033


      6,040


      6,050


      6,112








      By Service Type






      IP & Data Services

      $

      1,839


      1,811


      1,807


      1,819


      1,802


      Transport & Infrastructure

      2,092


      2,108


      2,119


      2,092


      2,128


      Voice & Collaboration

      1,716


      1,759


      1,768


      1,812


      1,848


      IT & Managed Services

      169


      169


      161


      153


      158


      Regulatory

      189


      186


      185


      174


      176


      Total Adjusted Pro Forma Revenue

      $

      6,005


      6,033


      6,040


      6,050


      6,112














      SOURCE CenturyLink, Inc.

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